Somayaji predicts Indias economic boom in New Year

Yatnal's return to BJP certain, will appeal to party to reconsider expulsion: Rebel leader Ramesh Jarkiholi

BELAGAVI: A day after MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal was expelled from the BJP for six years, a group of disgruntled party MLAs headed by Ramesh Jarkiholi have decided to hold a meeting in Bengaluru on Friday to send a strong message to the party that all of them are with Yatnal. Jarkiholi said in Belagavi on Thursday that the rebel MLAs, who are against the leadership of B V Vijayendra in the party, will appeal to the party high command to reconsider the decision, adding that Yatnal would return to the party soon. Jarkiholi said he still stands by his previous statements opposing the leadership of party state president B Y Vijayendra and added that he has never spoken against any other BJP leaders. Tomorrow, on the 28th, we will hold a meeting with our close associates in Bengaluru, where we will discuss everything. Moreover, no one is bigger than the high command, so we will appeal to the party to reconsider its decision, he said. Jarkiholi admitted that they (disgruntled BJP MLAs) had anticipated action against Yatnal. However, he questioned such a drastic step taken by the party to expel a leader from a prominent community. We have always been with the BJP. The party is like a mother to us. But showing leniency towards some party leaders and taking strict action against others is unfair, he said. He also recalled that he, too, had spoken against some party leaders in the past. But that was the party's internal matter. Taking such a harsh step by the party against a senior and tall leader of Yatnal's repute is disappointing, he added. Expulsion is not new to BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal Clarifying that there is no question of leaving the party, Jarkiholi stated, Yatnal and our other colleagues are firmly with the BJP. There are some issues, but we are united. We will request the high command to reconsider this decision. Jarkiholi revealed that he had already discussed the matter with key leaders in the BJP high command. Jarkiholi expressed confidence that Yatnal would return to the party within a week. I have already spoken to some top leaders of the party in New Delhi about it and the return of Yatnal is certain, he reiterated. When asked about his opinion of BJP state president BY Vijayendra and his leadership in the state, Jarkiholi refrained from commenting. I will not speak on this matter now. I stand by my previous statements, he said, concluding the conversation. According to sources, several noted leaders from the Lingayat community and the supporters of former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa are against the reinduction of Yatnal in the party as the latter who had been expelled from the party twice in the past did not mend his ways in spite of it. He openly opposed the leadership of Vijayendra and also humiliated Yediyurappa on several occasions despite the party top brass warning him to exercise restraint time and again. However, the group of disgruntled MLAs and other party leaders which include MLAs B Somashekhar, Siddesh, Annasaheb Jolle, Kumar Bangarappa and several others are expected to exert pressure on the party in an attempt to bring Yatnal back. They are likely to make their stand clear in Friday's meeting in Bengaluru, sources said. Did adjustment politics come back to bite BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal

Naidu directs officials to resolve Kovvur factory dues

The Chief Minister sought urgent measures to resume the stalled construction of 10,924 houses and expedite irrigation works at Somasila

Dont jump in now, next 3-6 months are going to be two steps forward, one step backward: Aashish Somaiyaa

Aashish Somaiyaa, CEO of WhiteOak Capital AMC, advises caution about the current market uptick, suggesting that volatility influenced by US market conditions could see markets trading down again over the next six months. He recommends investors to review and rebalance their asset allocations, possibly focusing on financials and discretionary consumption.

BJP MLA's ST Somashekar, Shivaram Hebbar to respond to notice

BENGALURU/YELLAPUR: A day after getting show-cause notices, Yeshwantpur BJP MLA ST Somashekar said he would reply to the notice after consulting his lawyers, while Yellapur BJP MLA Shivaram Hebbar denied indulging in any anti-party activities. Somashekar told reporters on Wednesday that he had neither attended any Congress party event, nor entered the KPCC office. God has given me strength and I shall fight legally, he said, adding that his meeting with DyCM DK Shivakumar was official. Shivakumar is not just the KPCC president, he is Deputy CM and Bengaluru Development Minister. My constituency comes under him, so I approached him, he said. Somashekar said he has met the CM and other ministers at government events, and not at party events. What is wrong with me going to the government to seek funds for my constituency? The government had called a pre-budget meeting with Bengaluru MLAs, but none of the others attended. I did because I wanted grants for my constituency. I have not caused embarrassment to the party or given a statement against any BJP leader, he said, and rued that there is no action against those who embarrass the party. Somashekar said the BJP has failed as an opposition party. The session is not conducted for them to boycott or walk out, but to debate and discuss various issues, he said. Meanwhile, MLA Hebbar was also critical of the BJP, but it was a veiled dig against his party men. He told the media he might have not done anything for the party, but was not involved in any anti-party activities. On the show-cause notice, Hebbar said the party high command had asked him a few questions which he has to reply to within a stipulated time. I have not done anything wrong, he reiterated. I have not issued any anti-party statement or participated in Congress meetings. I have suffered injustice and will write to the party high command and explain everything. Stating that he was silent due to various reasons, Hebbar said he was hurt by developments in the party. He said some leaders had issued statements against the party president and supremo. Whether somebody provoked them or they tried to save somebody is a mystery, but there is no action against such people. A certain section enjoys top positions, while many just keep working for the party without any benefit, he said.

Severe heatwave likely to affect 47 mandals in Andhra Pradesh on March 27

VISAKHAPATNAM: As many as 47 mandals across Andhra Pradesh are expected to experience severe heatwaves on Wednesday, with the highest impact in Srikakulam (13 mandals), Vizianagaram (14), Parvathipuram Manyam (11), Anakapalle (2), Kakinada (4), East Godavari (2), and NTR (1). On Thursday, the heatwave is likely to intensify, affecting 199 mandals across multiple districts, according to AP State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Ronanki Kurmanath. On Tuesday, several areas recorded extreme temperatures, with Rudravaram in Nandyal district reaching 41.6C, followed by Darimadugu in Prakasam at 41.1C, and Somasila in Nellore at 40.9C. Other hotspots included Puthanavaripalli (Annamayya), Pipalli (Chittoor), and Atlur (YSR) at 40.1C, while Renigunta (Tirupati) touched 40C. Kurmanath advised senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with health conditions to stay indoors and avoid exposure to hot winds. Residents should take precautions, avoid strenuous activities, and stay hydrated. Additionally, with unseasonal rain and thunderstorms expected, people are urged to remain cautious and avoid standing under trees during lightning strikes.

Government by social media in Somalia

Cheap data, social media and creativity are filling in for an absent state

Buy Somany Ceramics, target price Rs 660: HDFC Securities

HDFC Securities recommends buying Somany Ceramics with a target price of Rs 660. Despite challenges from low-priced competitors and volatile exports, Somanys new large-sized tile plant in Gujarat is set to boost growth. Strong financial projections and impressive management support the positive outlook. Promoters hold a 55.01% stake, highlighting confidence in the companys potential.

The Bear House Secures Rs. 3 Crore Investment Deal from Namita Thapar on Shark Tank India

Harsh and Tanvi Somaiya, Co-Founders of The Bear House receive funding from Shark Namita Thapar The investment deal from Namita, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, who is known for her expertise in scaling businesses, includes Rs. 1 crore for a 1% equity stake and Rs. 2 crore as debt. In the episode, which featured Sharks Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Aman Gupta, Viraj Bahl, and Kunal Bahl, the couple impressed the judges with The Bear House's profitability, scalability, and product offerings. Shark Aman even described the brand as 'too good to be true.' Shark Kunal Bahl also expressed interest and offered to invest Rs. 3 crore for a 3% equity stake at a Rs. 100 crore valuation. Harsh and Tanvi Somaiya felt Namita Thapars offer aligned better with their vision and decided to move forward with her when choosing between the two Sharks. This menswear brand, inspired by European fashion and known for its high-quality, minimalistic, and smart casuals designed for hybrid work cultures, received high praise from the investors. Being on Shark Tank and earning the trust and support of the judges is a pivotal moment for The Bear House team! Having them experience our garments and believe in our business model through this investment validates our vision-giving Indian men the freedom to express their unique selves through our clothes, no matter where they go or what they do. This experience has solidified our reputation as a powerhouse in the menswear segment, said Tanvi Somaiya, Co-founder of The Bear House . Our philosophy has always been simple-our product is our brand ambassador! added Harsh Somaiya, Co-founder of The Bear House . Having already established an offline presence in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad this year, the brand aims to expand into other Tier I, Tier II cities, including Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai. It expects to surpass Rs. 140 crore in net revenue this year, with over 40% YoY growth. In addition to its strong presence on Myntra-where it holds the top spot in the casual shirts category-the brand is also available on Flipkart, Ajio, Tata Cliq, Nykaa, and Amazon. It is further expanding its reach through collaborations with hyperlocal quick-commerce platforms like Zepto. Your story sounds too good to be true-but it's not just a story, it's your reality. Despite facing setbacks, you've emerged stronger, with a smile on your face and integrity intact. That resilience and commitment make me want to believe in you, said Namita Thapar while making her offer . She maintained the brand's Rs. 100 crore valuation, offering Rs. 1 crore for a 1% equity stake and Rs. 2crore in debt at a 10% interest rate, repayable over five years. About The Bear House Founded in 2017 by Tanvi and Harsh Somaiya as a passion project, The Bear House has grown into a premium menswear brand known for its impeccable quality and versatile designs. Catering to discerning Indian consumers who seek effortless transitions between professional and social settings, The Bear House offers a curated range of smart casuals, including shirts, especially popular for its flannel shirts, t-shirts, bottoms, denims, polos, blazers, accessories, and footwear. Designed for modern Indian men who aspire to Go Everywhere, Do Everything, the brand seamlessly blends international craftsmanship with contemporary style. The Bear House recently made waves on Shark Tank India, securing investment to fuel its next phase of growth. The brand, expected to cross Rs. 140 crore in net revenue this year with an anticipated 40%+ YoY growth, plans to reinvest the funding into online and offline expansion, along with strategic marketing initiatives leveraging Shark Tank's reach. The brand is currently accessible through its e-commerce-enabled website, www.thebearhouse.com, brand's own app and a growing retail footprint. It operates through Broadway, which is a D2C Multi brand store, present in Delhi and Hyderabad. The brand also recently opened its first EBO in Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru. Looking ahead, The Bear House aims to launch multiple EBOs in the coming year, further strengthening its presence in India's fashion landscape-both online and offline. In addition to its existing partnerships with Myntra-where it holds the top spot in shirts-the brand is also available on Tata Cliq, Nykaa, Amazon and other growing marketplace platforms. The brand is expanding further through new collaborations with hyperlocal quick-commerce platforms like Zepto , where it is already available.

'Buy' Somany Ceramics Maintains HDFC Securities On Robust Retail Distribution, Improved Product Mix

HDFC Securities reiterates Buy rating on Somany Ceramics with an unchanged target price of Rs 660/share (22x Sep-26E consolidated EPS).

Tamil Nadu highways dept set to start phase-2 of Coimbatore western Ring Road project soon

COIMBATORE: The special projects wing of the State Highways Department in Coimbatore Division will start works for Phase 2 of the Western Ring Road Project in the city in the next few months. The state government had recently allocated a fund of `348 crore for the project during the state budget session and the amount is set to be released after Administrative Sanction. The project is set to be carried out in three phases. The government had already sanctioned a fund of Rs 320 crore for land acquisition in all three phases. The length of the first phase is 11.8 km and passes through Madukkarai, Sundakkamuthur, Perur Chettipalayam, Theethipalayam and Madampatti. Works for phase 1 of the project was inaugurated in August 2023. Phase 1 works are in full swing and officials plan to complete work in August-September this year. The second phase is set to be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 348 crore for a length of 12.8 km from Madampatti to Somayampalayam near Vadavalli at 12.10 km. It passes through Perur, West Chithirai Chavadi, Kallikanaicken Palayam, Vadavalli and Somayampalayam. The highways department has completed over 93% of land acquisition for the second phase and is set to started land acquisition for the final phase. Speaking to TNIE , a senior official of the Special Projects wing of the SH Department said, We are awaiting Administrative Sanction and Technical Sanction from the government for the second phase. Once approvals are given and funds are released, we shall float a tender for the second phase. The work will likely begin when the first phase ends. Currently, weve started work to identify the main intersections for improvements in phase 2.

ISRO Veteran Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath to Lead Space Technology Efforts in Andhra Pradesh - Elets

ISRO Veteran Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath to Lead Space Technology Efforts in Andhra Pradesh Elets

Students from Maharaja College in Kochi get life ready with Earn While You Learn project

KOCHI: The first and second-year undergraduate students of Maharajas College, Ernakulam, are turning entrepreneurs. Under the Earn While You Learn project, the college has been training 150 students from different departments in making products like home cleaning liquids and cloth bags and in ornamental aquaculture. The college is organising an exhibition-cum-sale of the products made by the students. The project was carried out with a funding of Rs 6 lakh received from the higher education department for the financial year 2024-25, Shiji K, an assistant professor with the economics department and the Earn While You Learn (EWYL) coordinator, tells TNIE. The three product categories, all of which have been branded Majestic, were arrived at after the higher education department approved the proposal the college submitted. The EWYL programme is built on the cyclical concept of learning while earning, saving, and contributing to economic self-sufficiency. Its ultimate goal is to transition a knowledge-based society into a thriving knowledge economy, thereby ensuring societal cohesion and sustainable growth. The initiative also focuses on discovering hidden talents in students and guiding them towards fields that align with their abilities, paving the way for a secure future, she says. Why these three? The slogan of the project was to make sustainable eco-friendly products, explains Shiji. All these products, especially the cloth bag, have great relevance today. In an era where we are stressing the need to free the environment of plastic, the use of cloth bags has gained importance. Fifty students have been trained in bag making. The raw materials for the products were purchased and provided by the college using the funds received, she says. Each product line was entrusted to a faculty member, she points out. The toiletries team was led by Neena George from the chemistry department while the cloth bag team was led by Varun Soman from the mathematics department. Dhanya Balakrishnan, a faculty member with the zoology department, trained the students in taking care of the aquarium fish. Under the EWYL programme, students have to spend an hour every day to manufacture the products. However, it has also been specified that the one hour cant be carved out of the class time. So we have been engaging the students after class hours, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. The result is there for you to see. Now, the students are capable of making these products all by themselves. We have also been giving them a stipend during the period, Shiji says. The programme is a lifeline for economically disadvantaged students, the EWYL coordinator says. Maharajas College primarily caters to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom take up part-time jobs to meet their daily needs. By equipping them with marketable skills and instilling saving habits, the initiative empowers students to achieve financial independence and break free from the cycle of poverty, she stresses. The low budget was a hindrance in bringing in advanced technology. In the next academic year, we are planning to include innovative products that use technology. The revenue from the sale of the products will go towards funding the Earn While You Learn project next year, Shiji adds.

Ex-ISRO chief Somanath, 3 others appointed advisors to Andhra Pradesh govt - Northeast Herald

Ex-ISRO chief Somanath, 3 others appointed advisors to Andhra Pradesh govt Northeast Herald

Ex-ISRO chief Somanath, 4 others appointed advisors to Andhra Pradesh govt - Northeast Herald

Ex-ISRO chief Somanath, 4 others appointed advisors to Andhra Pradesh govt Northeast Herald

Custodial death of Parbhani protester: Magistrate report reveals police brutality

MUMBAI: In the judicial magistrate first class inquiry report, it was revealed that Somanath Suryawanshi was killed in police custody due to police brutality, not due to the heart attack as earlier claimed by the police. The judicial magistrate report pinned the blame on the police and asked the state government to take stern action against 70 police who were responsible for Mr Suryawanshis custodial death. The Human Rights Commission appointed judicial commission headed by judicial magistrate CU Telgaonkar and submitted the 451-page confidential report to the Human Rights Commission. Taking cognizance of this report, the Human Rights Commission has issued the notices to the State Chief Secretary and Home Secretary, additional director general of police (Crime) along with the Parbhani police commissioner asking for their explanation for the custodial death of Mr Suryawanshi. Somanath Suryawanshi was arrested by Parbhani police in connection with his participation in a protest against vandalizing the replica of the Indian constitution. After the arrest, Mr Suryawanshi died in police custody on December 15 and the police claimed that he died due to a heart attack. After the outrage over the custodial death of Mr Suryawanshi and Leader of Opposition and Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhis visit to his residence, the Maharashtra government ensured a fair probe to find the truth and facts. What do we know about the 'custodial death' of 35-year-old law student in Maharashtra's Parbhani Besides, in the post-mortem report, it was also mentioned that Suryawanshi was badly beaten and there were signs of bruises and crashes over his body as well. However, the state government refused to initiate action against the culprits. Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal said that the magistrate report revealed that Somanath Suryawanshi died due to police brutality, but the irony is that the police recorded the case as a natural death to suppress the matter. We hope Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and concerned people read this shocking report and take cognisance of it by dismissing the responsible police officers. Besides, cases should be filed against those police officers with murder charges, asked Sapkal. He said, the Parbhani case is extremely serious and a blot on humanity. The police failed to handle this case properly when the desecration of the Constitutions replica in Parbhani was reported. While a peaceful protest was ongoing in the city, the police resorted to brutal baton charges, severely assaulting many people and imprisoning several others, Sapkal said. Somnath Suryawanshi was also arrested at this time; he was brutally beaten and eventually died due to the assault. However, the government tried to suppress the case. During the Nagpur winter session, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis misled the public by falsely claiming that Suryawanshi died due to asthma, Sapkal alleged. Parbhani violence: Somnath Suryavanshi killed as he was Dalit and protecting Constitution, says Rahul Gandhi

`More than 3.5k birth certificates issued to `Bangladeshis` in Jalna cancelled`

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on Thursday claimed 3,595 birth certificates issued to Bangladeshis fraudulently in Jalna in Maharashtra have been cancelled by authorities

Karnataka HC gives govt 10 days to give report on removing encroachment at Kethaganahalli

BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to pursue further the alleged encroachment of gomala land at Kethaganahalli in Bidadi hobli of Ramanagara taluk and district and submit the report in 10 days. A division bench of Justices K Somashekar and Venkatesh Naik T passed the order after hearing the contempt petition filed by Samaja Parivartana Samudaya, represented by its founder-president SR Hiremath, seeking directions to implement the HC order dated January 14, 2020 on the encroachment of land by various persons, including Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy. Before the order was passed, the Additional Advocate General (AAG) and Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, Rajendra Kumar Kataria, submitted the report dated March 19, 2025, stating that a survey has been conducted after issuing notices. The report stated that 14 acres have been reclaimed and steps taken to look into the remaining encroached land in survey numbers 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 79 at Kethaganahalli. They requested time to verify the genuineness of the records and to proceed further. The AAG submitted the compliance affidavit dated March 18, 2025, signed by Kataria, stating that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted on January 28, 2025, to look into the encroachment of land at Kethaganahalli. The SIT submitted two status reports dated February 19 and March 15 and sought time to submit a further report, he told the court. Meanwhile, the compliance affidavit filed by N Jayaram, secretary, Revenue Department, will be considered at a later stage, the court said. Recording the submissions of the AAG and the report filed by Kataria, the court directed both to submit the report in 10 days. Further hearing was adjourned to April 3.

ADR report: BJP's Parag Shah is the richest MLA in India, Nirmal Kumar the poorest

BJP MLA Parag Shah from Ghatkopar East, Maharashtra, has been declared India's richest legislator, with assets worth 3,383 crore, according to the latest report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). In contrast, BJPs Nirmal Kumar Dhara from Indus, West Bengal, has the lowest declared assets, amounting to just 1,700. The report, based on self-sworn affidavits submitted before elections, analyzed 4,092 MLAs across 28 State Assemblies and three Union Territories. Top 10 Wealthiest MLAs in India According to ADR, these are the richest MLAs in the country: Parag Shah (BJP, Maharashtra) 3,383 crore D.K. Shivakumar (INC, Karnataka) 1,413 crore K.H. Puttaswamy Gowda (Independent, Karnataka) 1,267 crore Priyakrishna (INC, Karnataka) 1,156 crore N. Chandrababu Naidu (TDP, Andhra Pradesh) 931 crore Ponguru Narayana (TDP, Andhra Pradesh) 824 crore Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSRCP, Andhra Pradesh) 757 crore V. Prashanthi Reddy (TDP, Andhra Pradesh) 716 crore Jayantibhai Somabhai Patel (BJP, Gujarat) 661 crore Suresha B.S. (INC, Karnataka) 648 crore 10 Least Wealthy MLAs On the other end of the spectrum, several MLAs declared assets below 1 lakh, with the lowest being Nirmal Kumar Dhara: Nirmal Kumar Dhara (BJP, West Bengal) 1,700 Narinder Pal Singh Sawna (AAP, Punjab) 18,370 Narinder Kaur Bharaj (AAP, Punjab) 24,409 Mehraj Malik (AAP, Jammu & Kashmir) 29,070 Pundarikakshya Saha (AITC, West Bengal) 30,423 Anil Kumar Anil Pradhan (SP, Uttar Pradesh) 30,496 Sanjali Murmu (BJP, Odisha) 35,076 Chandana Bauri (BJP, West Bengal) 62,296 Nandita Debbarma (Tipra Motha, Tripura) 63,000 Ramvriksh Sada (RJD, Bihar) 70,000 Key Highlights from the Report Southern states dominate the list of wealthiest MLAs, with Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh accounting for a majority. BJP has both the richest and the poorest MLA in the country. The financial disparity among MLAs is stark, with a gap of over 3,382 crore between the wealthiest and least wealthy legislators. The ADR study, based on self-sworn affidavits submitted before elections, analyzed financial disclosures of 4,092 MLAs from 28 State Assemblies and three Union Territories. The report excluded 24 MLAs due to unreadable affidavits and did not cover seven vacant assembly seats. Andhra Pradesh Dominates Wealthiest MLAs List, Four in Top 10, Seven in Top 20 Andhra Pradesh tops the list the most high-net-worth legislators, with four MLAs among India's top 10 wealthiest and seven in the top 20, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). Among the top 10 richest MLAs, Andhra Pradesh is represented by: N. Chandrababu Naidu (TDP, Kuppam) 931 crore Ponguru Narayana (TDP, Nellore City) 824 crore Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSRCP, Pulivendla) 757 crore V. Prashanthi Reddy (TDP, Kovur) 716 crore. Additionally, three more legislators from Andhra Pradesh feature in the top 20, including: Nara Lokesh (TDP, Mangalagiri) 542 crore Yeluri Sambasiva Rao (TDP, Parchur) 295 crore Lokam Naga Madhavi (Janasena, Nellimarla) 291 crore The MLA with the lowest declared assets in Andhra Pradesh is Aithabathula Anandarao (TDP, Amalapuram SC), who has total assets worth 5.79 crore Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra alone account for 76 of India's 119 billionaire legislators, highlighting the increasing financial power of elected representatives. Among the three, Karnataka holds the highest total assets among its MLAs, with a staggering 14,179 crore. Maharashtra follows with 12,424 crore, while Andhra Pradesh stands at 11,323 crore. Despite Karnataka leading in total assets, Andhra Pradesh surpasses both states in average assets per MLA, with each legislator in the state owning an average of 65.07 crorethe highest in India. Karnataka closely follows with an average of 63.58 crore per MLA, while Maharashtra trails at 43.44 crore. When it comes to billionaire MLAs, Andhra Pradesh has 27 legislators with assets over 100 crore, making up 16% of its total MLAsthe highest percentage in the country. Karnataka ranks second with 31 billionaire MLAs, accounting for 14% of its legislators, while Maharashtra has 18 billionaire MLAs, making up just 6% of its assembly. This suggests that wealth among MLAs in Andhra Pradesh is concentrated among fewer individuals, whereas in Karnataka, wealth is more widely spread. Tripura, Manipur, and Puducherry have the least wealthy MLAs Tripura, Manipur, and Puducherry have the lowest total assets among MLAs in India. Tripura ranks at the bottom, with its 60 MLAs declaring a total wealth of just 90 crore, followed by Manipur with 222 crore across 59 MLAs and Puducherry with 297 crore among 30 MLAs. In terms of average assets per MLA, Tripura again records the lowest figure at 1.51 crore, followed by West Bengal at 2.80 crore and Kerala at 3.13 crore. These numbers stand in stark contrast to states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where average assets per MLA exceed 60 crore, reflecting the vast economic disparities among elected representatives across India States with the Lowest Average Assets Per MLA The states with the lowest average assets per MLA are: Tripura: 1.51 crore per MLA (60 MLAs) West Bengal: 2.80 crore per MLA (293 MLAs) Kerala: 3.13 crore per MLA (134 MLAs) The total assets of all 4,092 sitting MLAs in India amount to 73,348 crore. This combined wealth surpasses the annual budgets of Nagaland (23,086 crore), Tripura (26,892 crore), and Meghalaya (22,022 crore) put together. BJP, INC, and TDP lead in MLA wealth, YSRCP has highest average per legislator The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds the highest total assets among MLAs in India, with 1,653 legislators declaring a combined wealth of 26,270 crore, giving an average of 15.89 crore per MLA, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report. The Indian National Congress (INC) follows, with 646 MLAs holding total assets worth 17,357 crore, translating to an average of 26.86 crore per MLA. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), despite having only 134 MLAs, ranks third with 9,108 crore in total assets, making it the party with the highest average per MLA at 67.97 crore. Among independent candidates, 64 MLAs together declared 2,388 crore, with an average wealth of 37.31 crore per legislator. Shiv Senas 59 MLAs reported total assets of 1,758 crore, averaging 29.81 crore per MLA, while DMKs 132 MLAs accounted for 1,675 crore in assets, with an average of 12.69 crore per legislator. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has 53 MLAs, collectively holding 1,176 crore in assets, resulting in an average of 22.20 crore per MLA. The Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) also feature on the list, with SPs 110 MLAs holding 1,110 crore (10.09 crore per MLA) and BRSs 28 MLAs declaring 1,031 crore (36.82 crore per MLA). Meanwhile, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) stands out, despite having only 11 MLAs, with total assets worth 1,091 crore, making it the party with the highest per-MLA average of 99.19 crore. CPI(M), RLD, and Tipra Motha among parties with lowest MLA wealth Smaller parties such as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), and the Tipra Motha Party have the lowest total assets among their MLAs. CPI(M), which has 76 MLAs, recorded total assets of 103 crore, with an average wealth of just 1.36 crore per MLA, making it the party with the least financially strong legislators among national parties. Other National parties with relatively low average assets per MLA include the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) at 7.33 crore per legislator, and the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) at 3.73 crore per MLA The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), with 10 MLAs, reported total assets of 75 crore, bringing its average per MLA to 7.55 crore. The Tipra Motha Party, a regional political force in Tripura, has 13 MLAs with total assets of 79 crore, averaging 6.09 crore per MLA. Among the parties with only a single elected representative, the Indian National Leagues sole MLA has assets worth 4.38 crore, while the Janadhipathiya Kerala Congress MLA declared 3.25 crore in assets.

Powerloom weavers to begin indefinite strike today

TIRUPPUR: The Coimbatore and Tiruppur District Job-Working Powerloom Weavers Associations general body was held here on Tuesday and they decided that they will begin an indefinite strike from Wednesday morning to demand a wage hike. S E Boopathy, Association president, said, Around 2.5 lakh powerlooms are operating in Tiruppur and Coimbatore districts. Though these, about 1.25 crore metres of fabric are produced everyday and their wage increase has been in effect every three years since 1991. However, the wage increase will be finalised through negotiation once every three years, he added. The last wage hike of 20-23% was decided in 2021 and that was reduced to 15% in 2022 and given for only three months. Before that, an agreement was reached in 2014, he further said. Though our power tariff, building rent, powerloom spare part prices, and our work wages kept rising every year, we have been fighting for a wage hike for the last 15 months. However, due to a lack of a proper solution to our protests, around 10,000 powerloom weavers (1.5 lakh power looms) from Somanur, Kannampalayam, in Coimbatore district, Avinashi, Thekkalur, Pudupalayam, Perumanallur areas of Tiruppur district are going to participate on indefinite strike from Wednesday morning. The state government should take immediate action on our demand. Meanwhile, another association known as the Tiruppur and Coimbatore Powerloom Weavers Association is insisting that wage hikes made in 2022 should be implemented.

Sreevalsan J Menon: 'Kerala has broken the elitist mould of Carnatic music'

His name caught the eye of Keralites about two decades ago, when music in Kerala witnessed a fusion of sorts, where emotions and seasons were explored as against krithis of doyens. Sreevalsan J Menons deep voice that treated popular and not-so-popular works of legends was appreciated not just for its musical quality but also for its grasp of nuances, the richness of the legacy of his guru Neyyatinkara Vasudevan, and an evident urge to explore music in its totality. He quickly struck a chord among music lovers. A few lyrical melodies that came in films, programmes where he was seen collaborating with musicians cutting across genres, and efforts to popularise folk arts through a project of Kerala Agricultural University, where he works as the director of its extension services, made him lauded as a thinking musician. Excerpts from a freewheeling interaction: Shall we start with your initiation into the world of music? I was born in a village called Ganapathy Agrahaaram in Thrissur. There was a music teacher, Rajalakshmi Krishnan, right next to my house. Music would always flow from their house. One day, she called some of us children in the area and asked them to sing. She must have thought that I had some talent, and told my parents to let me learn music. So, I went to her to train. That is how I started. Who were your early musical influences? For some years, I studied with gurus such as a violinist named T V Ramani and Kongurpalli Parameshwaran Namboothiri, who was Chembais disciple. Then, I came to Thiruvananthapuram to study at the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). It was then I attended a music competition in Akashavani. Carnatic maestro Neyyattinkara Vasudevan used to accompany all the contestants on the tanpura. I met him there, and soon started training under him. The learning period lasted for 18 years. Does your scientific career help you in music? Very much. I started to understand the problems of people at the grassroots only after I entered the study of agriculture. I now connect with farmers, and work to help them with tech. This approach helps me understand music better, because music is about empathy. Do art and science connect somewhere? In Indian art, yes. Science implies systematisation. Sangeetha Shastra has a large body of knowledge and is categorised systematically. Such categorisation gave rise to new ragas. So, there clearly was growth due to the scientific categorisation. That is why the music genre is called shastriya sangeetham. Basically, it is a body of knowledge that is systematic. The more you study it, the more you realise it. Nowadays, there is a lot of talk about the connection between music, therapy, and medicine. What are your thoughts? Recently, I heard someone say that listening to the song Ambalapuzhe Unnikannanodu nee helps that persons mind calm down. But I cannot say this is universally applicable. One cannot declare that listening to Anandha Bhairavi raga will lower blood pressure. Music can only be supplemented with other therapies. But there are tales of Tansen singing Malhar and bringing rain. You, too, have sung Amritavarshini. What do you think about that? The rain referred to is the showers of bliss within you. You get the feeling of rain without experiencing it. There is a tale about lighting up a place by singing Deepak raga. I would see it as the light that the music creates within one. This is where science creeps into me I become a scientist. How did you conceptualise your album Monsoon Anuraga? We were thinking about celebrating the monsoon. We also took the works of Mira Bai, Kalidasan, and Sangam poetry, which spoke of rain. Some were secular poems, some were on love, some were about nature, and some about rain. The idea was to present music connecting it to everything around. Finally, as I am a musician, I wanted to present it before the people through music. In this age of fusion, do you think the purity of classical music would hold good? That is an interesting question. In todays fusion, all kinds of orchestras are included like guitar, bass, flute, etc. It does complement some works. But the artist must use music responsibly, and purity is about that. That said, I do not do much fusion nowadays, and am mostly focused on kacheri. For me, now, it is more like meditation than showing it to the world. I am going deeper into my own self. Have you experienced a trance state? Yes, absolutely. I am neither happy nor sad in that state. I was fortunate enough to experience trance on many occasions. But I cannot reproduce it. Is there, as some say, a divine touch to music? A psychiatrist in London said recently that surgeons at times faced some epiphanic moments during surgeries. They really did not know if they were operating they were not conscious. So, there is this phase in every field. People who consider doctors as gods can consider Tyagaraja Swami a god as well. Have you felt an emotional or spiritual connection to any raga? Some like Kalyani, Sankarabharanam, Thodi, etc., have the kind of expanse from which you feel like taking, again and again. That gives me more motivation (sings a note). In compositions like Thaaye Yashoda, I feel that I can keep adding something to it there is much to explore. Since the music tastes of the youth have changed a lot, do you think Carnatic music still has as many listeners as in the past? Yes, of course. If you are looking at the number of people in the audience, Kerala leads in that aspect, compared with other states. Kerala is the most musically literate state in the country. It is said that only two names from Kerala get the prime slots in Chennai K J Yesudas and you. Why is it that musicians from Kerala are not sought-after? See, we are reiterating that Chennai is the seat of music that is unnecessary. Let me show you a different perspective it is in Kerala that all the good musicians get paid well. During temple festivals in Kerala, musicians from different states come and sing. We patronise music that much. Chennai, meanwhile, is a learning hub. We do not do much research in music. What are your views on youth festivals? If you ask whether the participants continue their art, the answer is no. But the state does have a system in place, and that is commendable. Especially because we have many artforms, and they keep getting highlighted at these festivals. Whatever said, I get a positive vibe out of these youth festivals. Does loudness mar soulful, melodious compositions? If 1,000 people can listen to a Sagara shayana with bass guitar and drums, I say we should respect their tastes. I may not listen to it but I cannot say that it is wrong. But does not misplaced loudness reduce quality? Take a concert by Thaikkudam Bridge or Sithara [Krishnakumar], where 2,000 people are attending. You cannot give them very sober, soft music, and expect them to get into a meditative mood. That is impossible. People come to such places to have a good time, so you will have to give them the adrenaline rush. There are bands, like Agam that fuse western and Carnatic music. Does this help draw younger listeners to Carnatic music? Absolutely! I really feel it is helpful. When I was in school, I remember that many people did not like Yesudass concert, but today, if compositions like Vatapi Ganapatim or Alai paayuthe have become popular, it is because of him (sings Vatapi). Is there an elitism when it comes to classical music? That argument does not apply to Kerala. I am sure that for the past 75 years at least, we have shattered all those norms or stereotypes. My guru, Yesudas, [Kalamandalam] Hyderali, and many other artists all have broken the mould. But in other states, like Tamil Nadu, parties like the DMK were vehemently against classical music, and because of that, I think a section of society was kept away from the Carnatic scene. Here, both the political right and the left accept Carnatic music. But are you helping to remove elitism? Especially since you carry your caste name How am I supposed to fulfil that responsibility? One way is by giving music education. The second way is what I am doing now studying and documenting folk arts and culture. Kerala is home to about 3,000 folk artforms, but over 2,000 of them have become extinct. I am part of a KAU project to visually document these artforms through the lens of agriculture. When Nanchamma received the National Award, some questioned if tribal music should be considered along with mainstream music. Whats your take? I strongly disagree with that view. I cannot sing like Nanchamma. She received the award because her artistry was respected. Similarly, Vidyadharan Master, who is a music director, received an award for best singer, and he certainly deserves it. There was a controversy over Sangita Kalanidhi M S Subbulakshmi Award being given to T M Krishna last year. The name of the award raised eyebrows (as Krishna was a staunch critic of Subbulakshmi). What are your thoughts on the matter? Krishna undoubtedly deserved the award. The issue is not about his deserving of it but about the narrative surrounding it. It is important to look beyond just the name of the award. Else, it will be a very narrow view. But, Krishna has spoken about a lot of things controversially. It is not that I am subscribing to all of what he says, but I think there was a need for broad-mindedness in such matters. Theres now a trend of folk artists being featured more frequently in cinema. Do you think this will create more opportunities for folk music? Yes. For example, Hanumankinds new song (Run It Up)uses visuals from Theyyam. While the music itself may be unconventional for some, it brings a universal appeal to Theyyam. People may find it hard to digest, but I think it is a great step forward. Hindustani music is gaining popularity in Kerala, with many students learning it. Whats driving this trend? Firstly, we cannot ignore the importance of Kozhikode. Ghazal, Arab, Persian, and Sufi music have always been a part of the regions culture. Because of this, Karnataka music has not been as dominant in Kozhikode. But Ghazal and Babukkas songs are sung every day in many houses. They like Ghazal songs more. It is because of that culture. You mentioned earlier that Chennai is a learning hub for music. How much of a learning hub was your Guru for you? My guru was someone who changed my life completely. Travels with him, concerts with him it was like the Gurukula tradition, somehow. I would accompany him to places, and fortunately, my college also facilitated all this. You also get to meet many artists, for example, a tour may introduce us to Mandolin U Srinivasan, flautist K S Venugopalan, mridangm maestros Palakkad Reghu, Umayalpuram Sivaraman, MS Gopalakrishnan, and all these people may be staying in the same lodge. You see them frequently and they talk about their journey in music. Even the artists accompanying my guru Velukutty Nair, Chalakkudy Narayana Swamy, M G Radhakrishnan, Perumbavoor Ravindranath all these people would regularly come to his concerts and would often point out mistakes in my renditions. This was like having multiple gurus. You also aspire to make films, and you have acted in a movie (Kumaranasan). Could you tell us more about that? I am in the process of directing a film. It is not Carnatic-based, but yes, it is about music. That is all I can reveal right now. At what stage is it currently at? We have already shot for around 15 days now. I dont want to say anything more; let it stay like that. Can you tell us about your relationship with artist Namboothiri? I shared a bond of about 30 years with him. I met M T Vasudevan Nair through Namboothiri. I feel that a practitioner of art can take inputs from any kind of art. These things are highly inspiring to me. Has your career in agriculture ever given you a sense of security? Of course! At all times. Even now, it is because of that that I am able to talk like this today. The question that arises here is that for people choosing Carnatic music as their only career, how far is it sustainable? I can talk like this because I have another career, but I do not say that is the only way. However, there are people who pursue music or dance as a profession, like Rajashree Warrier, Methil Devika, Kapila, and so many more. Is that why people are hesitant or scared to take it up as a profession? Yes, this is also why, when students graduate from a music college, they go to reality shows or sing for dance recitals they get paid better. For a student graduating from a music college, the only option is teaching. Even Central government institutions are not promoting or encouraging art as they once used to do. You are known as T M Krishna of Kerala. What are your political feelings like? I dont think that is a right comparison. Also, talking about political beliefs, dont forget that I am a government servant (laughs, and sings Bhagyada Lakshmi baramma). Team TNIE Anil S, Aparna Nair, Parvana K B, Varsha Somaraj, Uthama S Vincent Pulickal (photos) Pranav V P (video)

Suitcase murder: Police recover torso days after finding severed head in Virar

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Tracing the lore of Karakulam, a forgotten town in Thiruvananthapuram

When an average Malayali reads the name Karakulam, the interpretation would be Karayile Kulam or a pond on land. This may sound bizarre because can a place have a name that states the obvious? Is not all ponds on land? Then why is this place named so? There are a lot of other places ending with kulam or pond, like Kayamkulam, Akkulam, Ernakulam, and many more. According to Malayalam dictionaries, kulam does not only mean pond but also place or abode. Ernakulam, for instance, means the abode of Erayanar or Lord Shiva. Now, does this place have a lot of ponds or does it have a guardian deity after whom the place is named? Karakulam is a town situated near the river Killi, and hence the logic still does not sit right to a layman. The word kara also has different meanings like the border of a cloth, banks of a river, land or boundaries of a district or a kingdom. So, the place could be something related to being situated on the boundaries of a place. Historian Vellanad Ramachandran solves this puzzle by first explaining the words etymology. He says that the word means a town on the border. He also explains the historical significance of this seemingly ordinary town. At a time when man-made boundaries did not exist, rivers and mountains marked the kingdom borders. The river Killi used to be considered a natural line of bifurcation between two autonomous collateral branches of the fourth matrilineal descent of the Venad Kingdom Thrippappur (now Thiruvananthapuram), and Perakam (now Nedumangadu). Karakulam was a town that came up on the banks of this border, says the historian. Karakulam has another historical significance, says Ramachandran. It was the second capital of the Perakam kingdom and the princes used to reside here. He says that it was also the home of the head of the army of Perakam, Karakulathu Pillai, who was murdered by the soldiers of King Marthanda Varma of Thrippappur. There are also records of a temporary bungalow of the resident sahib (a Brit representative of the East India Company) having existed here during the colonial era. A sleepy town with a curious name on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram was once a busy, happening town when Travancore was still in the making. Karakulam also happens to be the districts most populated panchayat, according to the 2011 census. It is situated six kilometres away from Nedumangadu and around twelve from the capital city. Some of the monuments at Karakulam are Our Lady of Assumption Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, which was established in 1933; and the scenic Mudisasthamcode Bhagavathi temple, which sits on the banks of the Killi river where vavu bali rituals are held annually. Karakulam now is a growing residential hub, which is witnessing developments in infrastructure, including plans for a `58.7-crore, 765-metre flyover. Over time, the once bustling Karakulam has been relegated to being a sleepy suburb. But once the flyover is in place, Karakulam will be better connected to the rest of the district, says Soman Nair, a resident.

Sixty Years of Speaking for the Voiceless

How many of us have whispered secrets to our pets, believing they understand? Or stopped mid-step to watch a puppy chase its own tail? Or felt an unspoken bond with a stray? We think were the ones taking care of animals, but the truth is, they take care of us too in ways we dont always realise. In many ways, animal welfare has been a lifelong lesson Maybe thats why stepping into what looked like an actual school empty classrooms, a playground, a basketball court felt oddly fitting. And whats a school without an auditorium? A large standing poster marked the entrance to the Blue Cross Memories & Milestones event, a celebration of sixty years of compassion. But beyond the nostalgia and applause, one question lingered how much more do we still have to learn? S Chinny Krishna, chairman of Blue Cross of India, took the stage. Running any charity for 60 years is difficult. When this charity is in the animal welfare field, it is indeed a Herculean task. This is true even in a country like India a country which gave the world the concept of Ahimsa, non-violence in thought, word or deed. Rarely does a founder get to celebrate a 60th anniversary, and I consider myself truly blessed to be here. Reflecting on the journey Until 1987, Blue Cross ran entirely on volunteers, with their 24x7 ambulance service driven by off-duty Indian Airlines pilots. Yet, their work was recognised early Captain Sundaram received the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queen Victoria Medal in 1964. Over the decades, their activism led to major legislative wins the bans on monkey exports (1978), frog leg exports (1987), and dolphinariums (2015). Other milestones followed: launching pet therapy for special children (1987), the Dr. Dog program (2001), the Water Bowl Project (2013), South Indias first animal crematorium (2021), and their first Mobile Hospital (2022). But despite these victories, Chinny highlighted a growing crisis: abandonment. Today, a major problem is the endless dumping of puppies and kittens outside our gates. Even adult so-called pedigrees are ruthlessly abandoned. These dogs cannot survive on the streets, and all shelters are overflowing. He welcomed Chennai Corporations recent mandate for pet licenses and microchipping, hoping it would be enforced effectively. Animal rights activist and environmentalist Maneka Gandhi said, Blue Cross was the first all-animal shelter. I set up the second one, 20 years later, in 1980. Back then, looking after animals was considered something weak people did. But today, seeing all of you here important people of both sexes I know we have won the battle. Her speech looked ahead. Our next step is training people and administrations to deal with the new world one where animal welfare is a priority. We need people to come forward and become Chinnys successors. Thats why we are launching Indias first school for animal shelter management in a month. She ended with a thought-provoking line: Theres only one commandment in the world thou shall not cause pain. Thats why we do what we do. Screen and scripts A short film on Blue Cross history followed, opening with a powerful statement: For all of us at Blue Cross, it has never been animals or people it has always been animals and people. The video brought six decades of dedication to life through images and charts, setting the stage for the evenings highlight the release of Memories and Milestones , a book documenting Blue Cross 60-year journey. Authored by historian V Sriram and Lashman, the book was unveiled by Justice PN Prakash, former judge of the Madras High Court, in the presence of Maneka and AL Somayaji, former advocate general, Tamil Nadu. Sriram, reflecting on writing the book, said, This book began with interviews with Chinny. Then, the gods decided to send COVID, so the book didnt advance a line. Finally, Nanditha Krishna pushed us to get it done. One of the great problems in Chennais history is that every few years, we have a flood. And floods dont discriminate between people and archives important files are always the first to float away! But we managed to salvage enough issues of Animal Voice to put this together. As the first copy was handed over, Somayaji took the mic. I wondered why I was invited today. I still do. But I remember Chinny coming to me years ago, struggling to keep Blue Cross running. Despite their best efforts, they faced resistance some challenges unworthy of mention. Its frustrating that after 60 years of tireless work, the government still doesnt fully recognise their impact. But Chinny and Nanditha have not let that deter them. And they still continue to provide their service. Sixty years ago, Blue Cross of India began with a simple act of kindness rescuing two drowning puppies. Today, it stands as a testament to how relentless compassion can drive real change. From pioneering Indias first Animal Birth Control programme to influencing national policies, its impact is undeniable. But as speakers at the event reminded us, the challenges arent over. Thousands of animals are still abandoned, injured, and left voiceless every day. The question is: how far are we willing to go to protect them?

US and Israel look to resettle uprooted Palestinians in Africa

Officials from Sudan said they have rejected overtures from the US, while officials from Somalia and Somaliland said that they were not aware of any contacts.

Reeling in The City

Bengaluru as a city, is in a constant state of change. Because it is a city that has attuned itself to its breakneck speed, it is easy to think of this change as rigorous, which it certainly is. Still, against this inertia, many Bengalureans live to preserve and protect all they deem valuable about the city and all that they think should exist perpetually, despite the fast pace of modern life. The third season of B-LORE, an annual initiative by Bangalore International Centre (BIC) that screens five-minute short films based on the city, had eight shorts that portray the beating heart of the city. The screening opened with Ripples , a film by Neha Nair, about the area surrounding the Somasundarapalya Lake, and the conservation techniques adopted by the locals, including the Japanese technique of Miyawaki to plant a variety of flora in an area that once used to be a dumping ground.When I approached the volunteers that take care of the lake, I was doing volunteer work as well; I was there to plant trees. But hearing them talk about the place, I saw sparkles in their eyes, Nair shares. Following this was An Odo-date with Puttenahalli Lake , a similar film by Aakash Amish and Atheeva Reji Kumar on the titular lake, and the incredible Case and Bobbin by Bharath Raj, which documents the inhumane conditions of garment makers in the city, and the hazards they have had to incorporate into normalcy. The last film before the break was The Alli Serona Bus Stop made by the organisations Purpose, Bengawalk, and APSA; the film documents the creation of a makeshift bus-stop as a plea to authorities to make public transport accessible to residents of Vijayanagar. The second half of the festival hinged on the aforementioned nostalgia surrounding the city. The dive started quite literally with a film on preservation of time, focusing on watchmakers in the city: How Long is Forever by Vaishnavi Dhumal and Anna Joe. Taking the audience from the inward space of watchmaking to the outward arena of sports was crime filmmaker Mayur J Raols Mini Brazil , a film that chronicles the inimitable football culture of Gowthamapura, where the sport lets localities transcend caste, religion, and capital. Rishab Shetty and Rahel Thoppils SFSYelis Past Glimmer was next, capturing through graffiti and daily minutiae of the SFS neighbourhood in Yelahanka, and its persistence through a changing city around it. The festival-closer was Harshini Boyalas heartcharmer, Love in Luru . The brevity of the film is expansive with the love within, where Boyala imagines love in the city through the lens of the Naguva Nayana music video, which was shot on the bustling streets of 1980s Bengaluru. About the conception of it, Boyala shares, It was to understand how the citys landscape has changed, from the days of Naguva Nayana , or how the song made us feel about the city and draw parallels to how the city being in constant construction and its pace, probably reflect the romance in our lives now. I feel like we need a settled environment to blanket ourselves with slow love. Grateful for how the process turned out to be, she continues, The best gift of making this five-minute film was the friendships we made along and the opportunity for us to create together more often in the city! (All of the films will be available for public viewing on the BIC website and their official YouTube channel)

Hamas Ready to Release Hostage, Remains of Four Others As Israel Cries 'Pyswar', Hosts Syrian Druze

The US and Israel contacted three East African nationsSudan, Somalia, and Somalilandabout resettling Palestinians under Trump's Gaza plan, offering financial and security incentives. Sudan rejected the proposal, while Somalia and Somaliland denied knowledge of discussions. The outreach raises doubts over Trump's claim of relocating Gazans to a eautiful area. Meanwhile, Hamas agreed to release an Israeli-American hostage and four remains amid stalled Gaza ceasefire talks. In Syria, Druze clerics made their first pilgrimage to Israel in decades. 00:00 - INTRODUCTION02:12 - HAMAS READY TO RELEASE ISRAELI-US HOSTAGE AND REMAINS OF 4 OTHERS04:39 - SYRIAN DRUZE CROSS ARMISTICE LINE FOR ISRAEL PILGRIMAGEn18oc_world n18oc_crux

Sudan, Somalia Or Somaliland? US, Israel Turn To Africa For Gaza Relocation

The US and Israel have reached out to officials of three East African governments to discuss using their territories as potential destinations for resettling Palestinians uprooted from the Gaza Strip under Donald Trump's proposed postwar plan.

US, Israel look to Africa for resettling Palestinians uprooted from Gaza

Jerusalem: The US and Israel have reached out to officials of three East African governments to discuss using their territories as potential destinations for resettling Palestinians uprooted from the Gaza Strip under President Donald Trumps proposed postwar plan, American and Israeli officials say. The contacts with Sudan, Somalia and the breakaway region of Somalia known Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

US and Israel look to Africa for resettling Palestinians uprooted from Gaza

The U.S. and Israel are engaging with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland to potentially resettle Palestinians from Gaza under Trump's postwar plan, which envisions relocating over 2 million people. Sudan has rejected the idea, while officials in Somalia and Somaliland deny any current contacts on the proposal.

Guwahati Diary | Railways hopeful of 100% electrification

Assams entire rail network will be electrified within the current year, said junior railways minister V Somanna. He said a 100% railway electrification is going to be completed by 2025. He highlighted the significant progress in railway infrastructure development, mentioning that doubling works are being carried out at an accelerated pace to enhance capacity and efficiency. Mentioning that new railway lines are being laid to improve connectivity and cater to the growing transportation demands of the region, the minister emphasised the importance of modernising railway stations to enhance passenger comfort. Army secures pension for soldiers mother The Indian Army secured the long-overdue family pension of the mother of a soldier, Guardsman Barun Chandra Boro, who died in the service to the nation. Biwari Boro faced an arduous three-year wait after her rightful pension was halted in 2021 due to procedural lapses following her husbands demise. During a veterans outreach programme, the Armys Tamulpur Brigade took up the matter. With sustained coordination between the Regimental Centre and the bank concerned, the documentation was rectified, leading to successful reinstatement of her pension. Bird conservation awareness via movies Well-known biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak screened movies as it raised awareness among village youth on the importance of conservation of birds. It also organised a bird-watching event and a cleanliness drive. The activities were organised at the Kohora River Basin in Karbi Anglong district recently. The event was followed by a clean the village drive led by participants, reinforcing the significance of maintaining a clean environment for birds and other wildlife. The youth were introduced to the deep cultural connections between the ethnic Karbi community and the birds of the region. Prasanta Mazumdar Our correspondent in Guwahati prasantamazumdar@newindianexpress.com

200 suspended TGSRTC conductors accuse MD Sajjanar of corruption

Hyderabad: Demanding the state government reinstate their services, conductors suspended from their services from the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) have written to Central and state authorities accusing TGSRTC MD VC Sajjanar of perpetrating immoral and corrupt practices. Addressing media persons at Somajiguda Press Club on Tuesday, March 11, a group of TGSRTC conductors, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Gunmen storm hotel in central Somalia, siege ongoing

At least four people have been killed

Meet woman, widowed at 18, became first female engineer in India, worked with United Nations; not from IIT, NIT; she is...

Ayyalasomayajula Lalitha was born in 1919 into a middle-class Telugu family in Chennai -- today the capital city of Tamil Nadu. She was the fifth of a total of seven siblings. While her brothers pursued careers in engineering, her sisters were limited to basic school education.

Indian Navy To The Rescue!

INS Tarkash provided assistance to an Iranian dhow after it was incapacitated by inclement weather off the coast of Somalia on Monday, March 10, 2025.

Govt readying 23-point reform template to ease business regulations

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Milind Soman Has Mastered A New Skill Of Blowing The Conch Shell: Here Are Its Health Benefits

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100% electrification of Assams entire railway network by 2025: MoS Railways

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11 villages in Orvakal mandal declared as industrial node in HBIC

The villages are Orvakal, Guttapadu, Meedivemula, Uppalapdu, Pudicherla, N. Konthalapdu, Kannamadakala, Somayajulapalle, Bramhanapalle, Palakolanu and Komarolu

Sthal movie review: A sharp critique of traditional matchmaking practice

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Karnataka has historically been a multilingual, plural, multicultural society

Srikar Raghavans book Rama Bhima Soma attempts to unpack the social, political and cultural histories of modern Karnataka in an original way

Telangana: Man Attacks Neighbour with Axe over Roaming Chickens

Somaiahs family filed a formal complaint at the police station. A case has since been registered against Linganna, who is currently in custody, as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.

Somaiya Vidyavihar University Squash Teams Secure Double Victory at AIU All India Inter-University Championship

www.sportsacademy.somaiya.edu/en .

Vice-President Dhankhar urges corporate sector to prioritise education

NEW DELHI: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said that philanthropic efforts should not be driven by commercial interests, highlighting concerns about commodification in health and education. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the 75th-anniversary ceremony of K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce in Mumbai, he called on corporate leaders to see investment in education as a contribution to the nations future. Our health and education sectors are being plagued by these influences... Corporate leaders should view investment in education not just as philanthropy but as an investment in our present, our future, and, to put it bluntly, an investment in the development of industry, business, and trade, Dhankhar said. He described education as a powerful tool for transformation, addressing inequalities and creating a level playing field. Education is the most impactful, transformative mechanism because it brings about equality. It addresses inequities, affords a level playing field, and uncovers genius through the path of education. Our framers of the Constitution were very wise; they placed education in the Concurrent List. For those who are not familiar with the legal term, the Concurrent List means it is a joint responsibility of both the state and the union, he stated. High price Indians are paying for higher education Calling for greater private sector involvement, Dhankhar said, I would appeal from this platform a platform where I have witnessed the power of philanthropy giving back to society. It is a shared responsibility between the government and the private sector. Those in industry, trade, business, and commerce must come forward and take the initiative. I urge the private sector of our country to rise to this occasion and accord the highest priority to education. He pointed out that universities in the West receive substantial endowments, a culture that India has yet to develop. Many in the audience will agree that the endowments of some of the universities in the US are in the billions of dollars. Why is it that we do not have this culture in our country? In the West, anyone leaving an institution feels committed to making some fiscal contribution. The quantum is never important. Reflecting on Indias historical educational institutions, Dhankhar said, We once had glorified institutions such as Odantapuri, Takshila, Vikramshila, Somapura, Nalanda, and Vallabhi... scholars came from every corner of the world to seek knowledge, impart knowledge, and share it. He lamented the destruction of Nalanda, a centre of learning that housed thousands of students and teachers, stating, The thirst for knowledge was satisfied. But what happened around twelve hundred years ago? Nalanda, the intellectual jewel of ancient India, housed ten thousand students and two thousand teachers in a nine-storey building. However, in 1193, Bakhtiyar Khilji, a reckless destroyer of our culture and academic institutions, set the premises on fire. For months, the fire consumed vast libraries, reducing hundreds of thousands of irreplaceable manuscripts on mathematics, medicine, and philosophy to ash. He concluded by noting that the loss was not just architectural but a systematic erasure of centuries of knowledge.

We dont outsource our software, says Ex-ISRO chief Somanath

BENGALURU, Mar 1 : Software development at ISRO has always been an internal responsibility, driven by our own scientists and engineers across domains from environmental science to physics, computer scienceand more, the space agencys former chief S Somanath said. We dont outsource these critical software systems because the deep integration between science, technology, and applications requires intimate domain understanding he said at Software Product Management (SPM) Summit held by IIMB. The two day summit was held on February 28 and [] The post We dont outsource our software, says Ex-ISRO chief Somanath appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

ISRO's Software Development Has Always Been An In-House Responsibility, Says Former Chief S. Somanath

Reflecting that ISRO's journey in software product development isn't just about coding; it's about translating raw scientific data into actionable intelligence.

More than 3k Bangladeshis got birth certificates in Latur fraudulently

LATUR, Feb 28: Maharashtra BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on Friday claimed 3,056 Bangladeshis have been issued birth certificates through fraudulent means in Latur. Talking to reporters after meeting the collector here, the former Lok Sabha MP said the district administration has assured that an inquiry will be conducted. More than 1.23 lakh Bangladeshis have got []

Man held for stealing doctors shoes from hospital in Somajiguda

Hyderabad: A man was arrested for stealing the shoes of a doctor from Yashoda hospital in Hyderabads Somajiguda on Thursday, February 27. The accused was identified as 35-year-old Mahesh Kumar, a native of Suryapet. He had been involved in several petty thefts in Hyderabad. According to reports, the family members of the accused asked him Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

CCTV captures man stealing doctors shoes at Yashoda Hospital

Hyderabad: In a bizarre incident at Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabads Somajiguda, an unidentified man allegedly stole a pair of shoes from the doctors dressing room and walked away wearing them. According to reports, the incident occurred around 12:10 pm on February 26. The suspect reportedly entered the hospital in Hyderabad through the B-1 cellar area, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

A.P. reducing regulatory compliance burden for improving Ease of Doing Business, says Chief Secretary

Union Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan says members of a special task force committee of secretaries would visit the State for assessing the progress made in the implementation of Ease of Doing Business.

West Bengals CPI(M) State Secretary clarifies use of photograph of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa at partys State Conference

Mohammad Salim said that there cannot be better expression of democracy that Ramakrishna Paramhamsas teaching of JotoMot TotoPoth(asmanyfaiths somany paths)

Madras High Court dismisses appeal against leasing out Kolathur Somanathaswamy Temple land for constructing arts and science college

Judges say procedural infractions would not vitiate the entire transaction between Somanathaswamy Temple and Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple

Brahmotsavams: deities take celestial rides at Kapileswara, Srinivasa Mangapuram temples in Tirupati

While Lord Somaaskanda Murthy and His consort rode the Vyaghra Vahanam at the Kapileswara temple, Lord Kalyana Venkateswara was paraded on the celestial vehicle of Surya Prabha Vahanam in the day and Chandra Prabha Vahanam in the evening

Chaos In Red Sea, War In Gaza: How Somali Pirates Are Exploiting The Perfect Storm

It was in 2017 when Somali pirates hijacked the Comoros-flagged Aris 13 - their last major attack before a periodof relative calm. Years later, the threat has returned with full force.

Soman Rana sprungs a surprise

Kirtilals Unveils its Exquisite Diamond Jewellery Collection, The Muse by Kirtilals at Somajiguda Showroom, Hyderabad

Visit Kirtilals Somajiguda showroom today and experience the allure of The Muse .

Milind Soman named as Garmins new brand ambassador for India

Previously, the former model was at Garmin Fenix 8 series smartwatch launch in October 2024

Centre ready to spend on rail projects, needs land in Kerala, says Union Minister Somanna

Polavaram-Banakacharla Project to Transform AP: Assn.

Rao also pointed out that the project would create irrigation facilities for 7.5 lakh acres and stabilize the existing 22 lakh acres under the Velugonda, Nagarjunasagar Right Canal, Kandaleru and Somasila projects. Additionally, the project would provide 20 TMC of water for industrial use.

Envoys of five nations present credentials to President Murmu

Diplomats from Nepal, Maldives, Cambodia, Somalia, and Cuba Present Credentials at Rashtrapati Bhavan

New India Coop Bank looted by BJP members, claims Sanjay Raut; slams govt for keeping mum

MP Sanjay Raut alleges BJP members' involvement in looting Rs 122 crore from New India Cooperative Bank and questions Maharashtra government's silence on the issue. He demands BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's support for affected depositors and criticizes the state government and PM Modi for inaction on various issues, including deportee treatment and recent stampedes.

Earths sixth ocean is forming but will split the African continent in two

A 35-mile-long fissure in East Africa signals the continents gradual separation, leading to the formation of a new ocean in the future. This tectonic activity, involving the Somali and Nubian Plates, may see Africa split within one to five million years, altering coastlines and ecosystems.

Congress has developed cataract, says Somanna

JJM: Somanna hits back at Siddaramaiah

Union Minister Somanna is peddling lies on Jal Jeevan Mission, says Siddaramaiah

Kavach anti-collision devise to be installed in State in 2025, says Union Minister V. Somanna

Karnataka's underperformance in JJM: CM Siddaramaiah blames Centre, Somanna says state not using funds

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and MoS V Somanna have exchanged accusations over the underperformance of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah claims the central government has failed to release adequate funds, while Somanna argues the state is responsible due to inefficiencies and delays in project implementations.

Union Minister Somanna to inaugurate new booking office and flag off MEMU trains at Ashokapuram railway station

The making of modern Karnataka: Review of Srikar Raghavans Rama Bhima Soma

Srikar Raghavans book is a fascinating revelation of the social, cultural, literary, political and intellectual movements of Karnataka

Ilhan Omar to be deported from U.S soon? Republicans are urging Donald Trump to send her back to Somalia

Recent speculations are on the rise that the renowned personality Ilhan Omar is going to get deported from the US and that too quite soon. Numerous Republicans have ended up urging US President Donald Trump to send her back to Somalia.

Nitin Somas pottery is a conversation starter in Hyderabadi

Potter Nitin Somas dented, textured clay pieces with Dakhni words celebrate Natures forms

Friends, kin recall fond memories

The families of three cousins Bowrampet Santosh Kumar, Somavaram Shashikanth, and Sunkuju Nandu Achary who lived in Raghavendranagar, Saroornagar, and Karthikeyanagar, respectively, were in a state of shock

Scene again shifts to Delhi as turmoil in BJP Karnataka unit continues

While party State president B.Y. Vijayendra has been summoned by the high command to Delhi, the rebels too are set to visit the capital to attend the housewarming ceremony Somannas official residence

85 Islamic State Fighters Killed in 2 Days in Somalia Offensive, Puntland Army Seizes 50 Bases

Forces from Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region have captured swathes of territory from Islamic State during a weeks-long offensive. The group hopes their campaign against the IS will draw increased international support, according to officials and Reuters reporters.The advances come against an IS faction that has gained in importance and was the target last week of US airstrikes. Puntland began a military offensive dubbed Hilac Campaign last month against IS in the region following months of preparations. Claims by Puntland commanders made regarding different battles indicate more than 150 Islamic State militants have been killed. n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION1:46 PUNTLAND OFFENSIVE DEALS BLOW TO ISLAMIC STATE IN SOMALIA4:55 THE EPICENTRE OF ISLAMIC STATE IN SOMALIA7:10 US STRIKES ON IS STRONGHOLD IN SOMALIA

Ramappa region, Nallamallas Somasilla to be developed as iconic tourist centres: Centre

Centre sanctions funds for development of tourist places in Telangana

Somany Ceramics Q3 Review Benign Show As Expected, Lucrative Valuations Drives 'Buy', Says Yes Securities

Given the lucrative multiples, Yes Securities maintains its Buy rating on the stock, with a revised target price of Rs 728 by valuing the company at P/E(x) if 20x on FY27E EPS.

Hyderabad surgeons successfully perform penile reconstruction of 19-year-old Somalian patient

SBI, Trent, BSE, NCC, Star Cement, Gujarat Gas, Sonata, Somany, Lemon Tree & More Q3 Review: HDFC Securities

The brokerage recommends 'Buy' on SBI, NCC, Lemon Tree, Star Cement, Somany Ceramics 'Sell' on Trent, 'Reduce' on BSE, Greenpanel, 'Add' Gujarat Gas, Motherson Wiring, Sonata Software - Here's Why

International Big Cat Alliance comes into force as a global legal entity

India's International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has become an official inter-governmental organisation aimed at conserving seven big cat species globally. Launched by Prime Minister Modi, the IBCA is now operational with 27 countries consenting to join, including India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia.

Telangana minister inaugurates Rs 10.09 cr projects in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Telangana transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar inaugurated multiple development projects worth Rs 10.09 crore in Hyderabad on Monday, February 3. The projects included a Childrens Learning and Play Park at Jubilee Hills for Rs 32 lakh, NFC Junction development for Rs 2.82 crore, beautification of Hyderabad flyovers for Rs 3.80 crore, and Somajiguda Junction enhancement Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Somaiya Vidyavihar Hosts Somaiya All Alumni Meet (SAAM) 2025

www.alumni.somaiya.edu/e/somaiya-all-alumni-meet-saam-2025 .

Trump Strikes IS Attack Planner in Somalia as Puntland Army Takes IS Strategic Mountain Base'

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US Army releases exclusive photos of fighter jets taking off to strike ISIS in Somalia

US Strikes Somalia After Trump Ordered Attack On 'ISIS Attack Planner'

US forces conducted airstrikes on Islamic State group targets in Somalia on 1 February, according to former US President Donald Trump. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the strikes targeted a senior ISIS attack planner. The US militarys Africa Command released images of fighter jets taking off for the operation. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the strikes targeted IS-Somalia operatives in the Golis Mountains in Puntland. He claimed that multiple operatives were killed in the airstrikes and no civilians were harmed. n18oc_world n18oc_crux

US Military Conducts Airstrike Against ISIS In Somalia | Donald Trump Latest News | Trump News

| conducts airstrike against in -newsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

'Will find you, and kill you': Donald Trump after US military conducted airstrikes on ISIS terrorists in Somalia

The airstrikes were conducted in the Golis mountain region following orders from President Donald Trump, leading to the deaths of multiple operatives, according to US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegesth.

'We will find you, kill you': Trump says he ordered airstrikes on 'ISIS attack planner' in Somalia

US military conducts airstrikes against Islamic State operatives in Somalia

An initial assessment by the Pentagon indicated that multiple operatives were killed

U.S. military conducts airstrikes against Islamic State operatives in Somalia

Trump, in a post on social media said: The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!

Former ISRO Chairman Somanath to get Malliyoor Award

KOTTAYAM (KERALA), Feb 1: Former ISRO Chairman S Somanath is chosen for the Malliyoor Shankar Smriti Award instituted in memory of noted Sanskrit scholar and Bhagavatham exponent late Malliyoor Sankaran Namboothiri. The honour comprises a purse of Rs one lakh, citation and plaque, a statement issued on Saturday said. Former President of India and rocket [] The post Former ISRO Chairman Somanath to get Malliyoor Award appeared first on Northlines .